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ALL SAINTS SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

YEAR 11 REVISION GUIDE OCR ETHICS PAPER TWO Peace and Justice Equality Media
This guide has been designed to help you revise more effectively for your RE GCSE exam. You will need to use this alongside your class notes and assessments.

Within the guide you will find basic information on each of the units of the paper, the format of exam questions, marking schemes and exam board information and hints, tips and checklists to help focus your revision. The general revision advice and techniques you have been given for all subjects, including RE, should help you to find out the most effective way for you personally to revise.

Remember:
Dont leave any of this to the last minute! You need to take your time over the next few weeks and revise steadily Make notes, mind maps, diagrams, mnemonics anything that suits you to help you remember facts Practice as many exam questions as you can and ask your RE teacher to mark them and give you feedback Try to get someone to test you particularly on Keywords and Bible Quotes, as these can be the most difficult to remember, but can gain you the most marks You will need to use keywords, bible quotes, Catholic views and views of other Christians in your answer concentrate on all of these in your revision. Be careful with the timings during the exam make sure you leave enough time to complete all the questions this can let a lot of people down! If you need any help or advice, ask your RE teacher.

DONT PANIC and always ask for help if you think you are starting to panic!
ETHICS PAPER 2 - SYLLABUS CONTENT
Religion Peace and Justice

Attitudes towards war - The Just War theory - Attitudes towards the use of violence and reasons for these - Attitudes towards pacifism and reasons for these Crime and punishment - Concept of justice - Aims of punishment - Attitudes towards capital punishment - Beliefs about the treatment of criminals -Responses to the treatment of criminals Social injustice - Concept of social justice and injustice - Beliefs about social injustice - Responses to social injustice Religion and Equality Biblical teaching about equality Different views about prejudice and equality in relation to race Practices in relation to racism Different views about prejudice and equality in relation to gender The role of women in Christian society Attitudes towards other religions with reference to: - Missionary work - Evangelism -Ecumenism Beliefs about forgiveness and the impact of these beliefs about on believers Beliefs about reconciliation and the impact of these beliefs about on believers Religion and the Media The different forms of media and the influence of the media Portrayal of Christianity in the media Portrayal of important religious figures Responses and attitudes towards films, books and comics which focus on religious/philosophical messages Using the media to represent Christianity and to educate Christians and nonChristians about Christianity Concept of censorship and freedom of speech Beliefs and attitudes towards the portrayal of violence and sex Attitudes and responses to issues raised by freedom of speech
GRADE DESCRIPTORS FOR GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES

These are the descriptions the exam board give of what you need to demonstrate to get each grade. You know what your target is make sure your answers match the description for your target grade! Grade A*-A Candidates demonstrate detailed knowledge and thorough understanding of religion to describe explain and analyse the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices, ways of life and forms of expressing meaning. They interpret, draw out and explain the meaning and importance of the beliefs and practices of the religion(s) and/or beliefs studied, and assess the impact of these on the lives of believers. They explain, where appropriate, how differences in belief lead to differences of religious response. They understand and use accurately and appropriately a range of specialist vocabulary. They use reasoned argument supported by a range of evidence to respond to religious beliefs, moral issues and ultimate questions, recognising the complexity of issues. They demonstrate informed insight in evaluating different points of view to reach evidenced judgements about these beliefs, issues and questions. Grade B-C Candidates demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of religion to describe and explain the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices, ways of life and forms of expressing meaning. They show awareness of the meaning and importance of the beliefs and practices of the religion(s) and/or beliefs studied, and can describe the impact of these on the lives of believers. They recognise how differences in belief lead to differences of religious response. They communicate their ideas using specialist vocabulary appropriately. They use argument supported by relevant evidence to express and evaluate different responses to issues studied. They refer to different points of view in making judgements about these issues. Grade D-G Candidates demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of religion to describe, with some reasons, the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices, ways of life and forms of expressing meaning. They show some awareness of the meaning and importance of the religion(s) and/or beliefs studied, sometimes recognising and making simple connections between religion and peoples lives. They communicate their ideas using everyday language. They present reasons in support of an opinion about the issues studied, and show some understanding of the complexity of the issues by describing different points of view.

CHECKLIST FOR UNDERSTANDING A TOPIC

Use this checklist for every topic as you revise, to help you make sure that you have covered all the information and are prepared for every type of question that could be asked: Keywords (A Type Questions) Do I know the main keywords and specialist language I can use for this question and what they mean? Key Facts (B and C Type Questions) What do Christians believe about this topic? What do they do because of their beliefs? What does the bible or Catechism say about this topic? Key Understanding (D Type Questions) Why do people believe this about this topic? What is the meaning behind what they do? Why are their beliefs important? Do some Christians do things differently? Why? Key Evaluation (E Type Questions) What are the main controversial/contentious issues on this topic? What different points of view are there on these issues? What evidence and examples can I use to back these points of view up?

USEFUL REVISION WEBSITES


These may help you in your revision but dont rely on them completely, as they are not specifically geared to your syllabus and will only cover some sections of your paper. (All links working April 2011!) http://www.request.org.uk/ - A Christian website. Excellent general info on all aspects of Christianity. Useful images, virtual tours. Very simple a good starting point. Click on issues to get to GCSE information. http://www.logosre.net/ GCSE/default.htm Catholic site, see Moral Issues page for Catholic perspective on key issues. Beliefs page also useful. http://www.cafod.org.uk/ Huge site on development issues poverty, debt, aid, effects of war etc. Some quizzes and interactive stuff. http://www.theresite.org.uk/ Very simple information but useful links on themes and topics page. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs BBC Bitesize - some good information and practice tests http://revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/re/index.html Limited, but some useful revision notes

Philosophy and Ethics Exams Hints and Tips - Read the number of marks available for a question. This gives you an idea of the length of answer needed - Make sure that your answer is referring to Christian beliefs and not just social and political ideas - Use bible ideas wherever possible to back up your points even if you are guessing slightly at what the bible says and where it says it! - Quite often different Christians will have different views or beliefs (often Catholics different from others!) try to make sure you mention this where possible, particularly if the question asks specifically - In most D questions you will need to explain what Christians think, why they think it, and why some Christians think differently so make sure you have covered BAD (bible, attitudes, differences) in every answer - Question E will always need you to give two different points of view. Dont forget to look at another side as well as your own opinion and back up everything you say with evidence. - In D and E questions, you need to back up your ideas with evidence and explanations remember PEE (point, evidence, explanation) to help you!!

UNIT 1 RELIGION PEACE AND JUSTICE KEYWORDS


Conscientious Objector Someone who refuses to fight in a war because they believe that it is wrong Deterrence Holocaust Holy War Liberation Theology Oppressed Pacifist Protection Protests Quakers Reformation Reparation Restorative Justice Punishment designed to persuade others not to commit the same crime The genocide of 6 million Jews (and other groups) by the Nazis during the Second World War A war which is fought over religious issues by people who believe they are doing what God wants A movement, started in South America, which tries to help those who are oppressed by social injustice People being overpowered and ruled by others unfairly Someone who disagrees with the use of violence Punishment designed to protect the public from the criminal Declaring dissent against something or someone. This is often done in the form of a public demonstration A Christian group, known particularly for taking a pacifist stance in times of war Punishment that allows the criminal to become a better person (a Christian view of punishment) Making amends for something youve done wrong A way of trying to help the victim of injustice, usually through the victim and criminal meeting together and working things through Unfair treatment of people in society, sometimes by an

Social Injustice

unjust government

UNIT 1 RELIGION PEACE AND JUSTICE

CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO WAR Christians believe war is wrong and that God wants people to live in peace. However, most also believe that war is sometimes necessary to overcome evil it can be the lesser of two evils. The Bible is ambiguous about whether war and the use of violence is right or wrong so Christians have to look carefully at each situation and decide for themselves. Sometimes it can seem wrong, and sometimes it may seem necessary to overcome evil. THE JUST WAR THEORY In the 13th century a monk called THOMAS AQUINAS produced guidelines that could help Christians decide in each different situation whether war was the right thing to do or not. This became known as THE JUST WAR THEORY. According to Thomas Aquinas a war is only morally just, or right, if it meets these conditions: 1. The reason for the war must be just it cannot simple be for greed or revenge. 2. It must be the last resort. All non-violent methods of resolving the conflict must have been tried first. 3. There must be a reasonable chance of winning and of establishing peace at the end. 4. Only a proper government or ruler can make the decision, not just a group of individuals. 5. The force used in the war must be enough to win but no more than that. And during the conflict unnecessary cruelty or attacks on civilians must not be used. These guidelines are still used today. Some Christians think that so long as the conditions for a Just War are met, then it is acceptable to go to war. Some Christians argue that certain forms of modern warfare that involve bombing cities or using nuclear weapons cannot possibly meet the conditions, so cannot be acceptable. Violence and Pacifism People opposed to any form of warfare are called Conscientious Objectors their conscience tells them to object to the war. They refuse to join the army or help the war effort in any way. They support non-violent ways to resolve conflicts. Quakers are an example of a denomination that refuses to take part in a war. Individual Christians of other denominations are also conscientious objectors. Another name for these people is Pacifists. Pacifists do not believe in letting unjust situations remain, but they believe that non-violent methods can be used to bring about change. For example, they might organise strikes, trade boycotts, protest marches and negotiations. Christian pacifists believe that violence goes against the teachings of Jesus.

The Bible says different things about violence. In the Old Testament people are often told by God to go to war for example they are told to fight and destroy foreign tribes so that they can take possession of the Promised Land. The prophets sometimes encourage war Rouse the fighting warriors! Let the fighting men draw near and attack! (Joel) One of the Ten Commandments, however, is Thou shalt not kill and even in the Old Testament the ideal, when Gods will is done, is for peace and justice. Micah said Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine tree and no one will make them afraid The New Testament is very focussed on peace and forgiveness. Jesus calls the peacemakers the children of God and taught people to get rid of hatred in their hearts and to love even their enemies Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. In his own life he refused to let Peter use violence against those who came to arrest him Put away your sword. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. And on the cross he prayed for his killers to be forgiven. Non-violent protests are used at other times apart from war. Many Christians believe that if a law is wrong or unfair, it is their duty to campaign against it using non-violent methods. Martin Luther King Jnr successfully led the Civil Rights movement in America without using violence yet without ever giving up. Treatment of Criminals Christianity teaches a message of love and forgiveness. The story of the woman caught in adultery tells how a woman was brought to Jesus who had been caught committing adultery. The legal punishment was death by stoning, but Jesus said to the crowd If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the one to throw the first stone and they all went away for all knew they too had sinned. He taught people not to be too quick to find faults in others when we all do wrong and all need forgiveness at some time (eg the story of the Unforgiving Servant, and the teaching about noticing the speck in your bothers eye when you have a plank in your own) However, Christians do believe that a community needs a system of punishments for those who break the law. Although it is important to forgive and reform the individual, the community must also be kept safe and vulnerable people protected. They believe punishment has several aims: - to deter others from breaking the law - to protect the innocent from harm - to give retribution to victims by showing them that criminal is being punished - to reform the criminal and give them the chance to change and become a better person Some Christians work with prisoners to try and ensure humane conditions. Elizabeth Fry was a Quaker who was one of the first to talk about basic human rights for prisoners. She worked in Newgate Womens Prison, which was notorious for its conditions, and also campaigned for better standards on prison ships in which people were transported to Australia form crimes as small as stealing a loaf of bread.

Capital Punishment The death penalty is opposed by many Christians because they believe all life is sacred and even a killer should have the chance to repent and change. However, some Christians agree with the death penalty because in the Old Testament it says an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. Social Injustice This means a situation in which some people are treated unfairly and have fewer rights than others. Since Christians believe all people are created by God and equally valued by God they believe this is always wrong. Christians have not always lived up to these standards but many do try to make the world a fairer place. The Bible teaches that it is wrong to mistreat the poor or vulnerable. In the Old Testament the prophets speak out against social injustice saying God will punish people for it. It says that people who are strangers and immigrants should be welcomed and helped When a foreigner lives with you, do not ill treat him. He must be treated as one of your own. Love him as yourself (Leviticus) In the New Testament Jesus makes a point of befriending the outcasts of society. His followers are warned not to have more respect for the rich and powerful than for the poor. Because of this, some Christians join organisations to help the homeless, or support agencies like Cafod that run projects in poor countries, or buy Fair Trade products so that they will know the workers will get a fair wage. Liberation Theology is a way of following Christian teaching about justice and trying to put it into action in society. It has been a strong movement in Latin America and other very poor countries where there are extremes of wealth and poverty and a severe lack of rights for the poor. It can be dangerous to be involved as people have been kidnapped, tortured and executed for threatening the powerful people in their society. Archbishop Oscar Romero was killed for speaking out for the poor in El Salvador and is now regarded by many people as a martyr and a role model.

UNIT 2 RELIGION AND EQUALITY KEYWORDS


Denomination Discrimination Ecumenism Equality Evangelical Forgiveness The different types of church within Christianity (eg Catholic, Anglican) that have different leadership, worship, doctrines etc. The unfair treatment of one person or group The different denominations within Christianity working and worshipping together in unity Different people/groups/things being given the same value Christians who believe that they should convert others to the Christian faith Pardoning or forgiving someone for something they have done wrong

Inter-faith Dialogue Discussion and sharing between communities from different faiths and religions Missionaries Persecution Prejudice Reconciliation Rights People who travel to other countries to spread their faith Mistreating and discriminating against a particular group over time Making your mind up about someone, or a group of people, without knowing them. Pre-juding based on misconceptions Ending conflict and mending the relationship between two groups or individuals The basic requirements for all human beings which should be respected and upheld

UNIT 2 RELIGION AND EQUALITY


The Bible and Equality The Bible teaches that all people are equal, all made in the image of God (Gen 1:27) In Acts of the Apostles we find the very first Christians quickly came to understand that God does not have favourites Peter then spoke to them, Truly I realise that God does not have favourites but in all nations, listens to everyone who fear God and do good. (Acts 10:34) God loves everyone without exception or condition. Christians believe they should show the same love. Paul says that rather than love for differences we should look for unites us Now in Christ Jesus all of you are sons and daughters of God. Here there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, or between slave and free, or between man and woman. All of you are one in Christ. Christian Attitudes Towards Racism Racism - the belief that some people are better than others because of the colour of their skin or their ethnic origin. Sadly, Christians have historically have sometimes supported racism many slave owners were Christian; some of the strongest supporters of apartheid in South Africa were Christian. But there have also been many who have struggled against racism, seeing it as an offence against God. Martin Luther King 1929 1968 was a black Baptist pastor who lived at a time when black Americans were segregated. He preached against racism, using biblical imagery and language to encourage the people to be brave and to reject the use of violence saying meet hatred with love. He led many non-violent protests which white people also joined. On Aug 4th 1968, King was shot by James Earl Ray, (who claimed he was setup). But his importance continued to grow. There is now a national bank holiday in America on Martin Luther King day. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone in America because of his or her race, and black people have gained in power and influence, leading now to a black president, Barack Obama. Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Trevor Huddleston all campaigned in South Africa against the apartheid system. Black South Africans had few rights. They could not vote, were told where they were allowed to live, and had to work in the mines and factories often apart from their families while the white people owned the land and businesses. Mandela grew up as a practicing Methodist, and at first he tried to fight apartheid nonviolently. However eventually he decided there was no option left except violence. The South African (and UK) government saw him as a terrorist. In 1963 he was caught and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island. Eventually, through continued resistance in South Africa and pressure from around the world, South Africa was forced to change its laws. In 1994 he became the first black President of South Africa.

Mandela strongly discouraged the black South Africans from seeking revenge. He set up Truth and Reconciliation Courts, where the truth could be heard and the guilty made to face their crimes. There were however, no punishments! They were forgiven so that the country could heal and move forward, black and white together the Rainbow Nation as they called themselves. Desmond Tutu, like Mandela, struggled against apartheid. He became Archbishop of Johannesburg and won over many people by his courage and kindness. Unlike Mandela (who is his good friend) he decided that violence was always wrong and he refused to use it or to condone it. Women in Society and in the Church There are different opinions in Christianity about the roles of men and women. Some think they are fundamentally different. For example women can have babies and can breastfeed; men are physically stronger. Some Christians say God made men and women different and intends them to do different things women to take care of the home and children and support the husband, while men provide an income and are the head of the household. Other Christians say God created everyone equal to share the same talents and opportunities. If they are parents they should share responsibility and decide between themselves about work. The official view of the Roman Catholic Church is that only men should become priests. This is not because men are regarded as superior or made to be in charge, but because the priest represents Christ during the Mass and they say it would be wrong for a women to do this. The Church of England agreed to women priests in 1994. Many other churches such as the Baptists and the Salvation Army have always had women as well as men ministers. Attitudes Towards Other Religions Christians have varied views about non-Christian religions. Some believe only Christianity has the truth about God and other religions are false. They believe everyone should convert to Christianity. They base this on a passage in Johns gospel Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. These Christians believe that eternal life with God is only for Christians. They may therefore go overseas to try to convert people to Christianity or they may give out leaflets, or speak in town centres. Christianity has in fact, always been one of the evangelical or missionary religions that is, it believes in telling other people about Christianity and encouraging them to become Christians too. Other Christians believe that everyone who is sincerely trying to follow God is doing the right thing whatever their religion. These people will worship with other faiths and have discussions with them but they will not try to convert people who already have their own strong faith. They say God will not reject someone just because they were born into a nonChristian religion. Prejudices between Christian churches.

Some Roman Catholics and Protestants have had serious disputes about some issues such as women priests or whether the Pope is the head of the Christian faith. Some people of both traditions have felt sure theirs was the only right way, and that all others were wrong. This is especially seen in Northern Ireland. Many Christians feel very unhappy about this, and work instead towards unity. They stress that they are all followers of Christ, one body with common aims. They support the ecumenical movement which tries to bring together the different churches. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Christians believe they should try to forgive just as God is forgiving. They should not hold grudges or seek revenge. If they ask God to forgive them, they in turn must forgive others. The prayer Jesus taught the Lords Prayer teaches us this. There are Christian centres, which especially focus on this. Coventry Cathedral heavily bombed in WW now has a peace chapel in the unreconstructed ruins of part of the cathedral. Taize in France is an ecumenical centre where young people of all religions come together to sing, meditate and pray, focussing on peace, In the Roman Catholic Church, a special sacrament the Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates Gods forgiveness. People go to confession where they confess their faults and problems and the priest, who, acting on behalf of God, assures them of forgiveness. Forgiveness is also part of the Mass, and before receiving communion, Catholics give each other a sign of peace usually a handshake, as a sign of friendship and reconciliation with one another. During communion, when they share the bread and wine, Christians feel they are joining together like different parts of the same body. All of these show the importance of Christians working together and resolving their differences.

UNIT 3 RELIGION AND THE MEDIA KEYWORDS


Blasphemy Censorship An act that shows deliberate disrespect for God Controlling or stopping something from being said or shown by the Media

Freedom of Speech The belief that no one should be punished for what they say Idolatry Media Pornography Propaganda Secular Stereotype The worship of false gods or idols Different methods of mass communication including newpapers, radio, tv, film, internet etc. The explicit use of sexual images to stimulate sexual excitement Information put out by a group or organisation to persuade people to think in the same way as they do Non-religious ideas A representation of a group or type of person that is based on commonly held beliefs that may be inaccurate or prejudiced

UNIT 3 RELIGION AND THE MEDIA


Influence of Different Forms of Media The term media refers to any type of mass communication. The range and extent of the Media has grown drastically over the past few centuries, and particularly over the past few decades, with the development of the Internet. Examples of Media include: TV and film, radio, newspapers, magazines, posters and leaflets and the internet. In recent years access to the Media has become more widespread and more intense, with global access to information through the Internet and 24-hour rolling news channels. The Media has a big influence on society, particularly in a Western country such as the UK: - it can reach a huge audience very quickly - it has wide appeal, because it is so varied - it is easy for all types of people to use, both to send and receive information - there is a lot of money involved in the media, which means it is becoming increasingly powerful Positives: - it can educate people about current affairs, history, science in fact, about almost anything - it can entertain people and unite communities, families and people with similar interests - it can get important information across to people quickly and effectively - it can provide good role models for people, both real and fictional - it can unite people from all over the world and lead to a positive sharing of cultures and ideas Potential Negatives: - it can be misused by groups, or even by whole governments, to spread negative messages and influence peoples views. This is known as propaganda and an extreme example of this is the leaflets and films distributed throughout Germany by the Nazis in the 1930s - role models can be negative as well as positive - advertising can influence what we buy and is mostly done with only profit in mind - allowing more and more people to share their views and express them freely, especially through the Internet, can lead to dangerous ideas becoming widespread and vulnerable people being influenced by them How Christianity Uses the Media

Jesus told his disciples to spread the word and many Christians see the ever-growing influence of the Media as a positive in allowing Christians to do this very effectively. The Media is used by Christians in a number of ways: - Praise and Worship programmes on TV and Radio which allow people to worship with others, without leaving home. These can be useful and comforting for those who are housebound or live in remote places as well as evangelising (spreading the message of Christianity) to any non-Christians who may be watching. Songs of Praise on BBC1 is a good example of this. - Documentaries, either looking at aspects of the Bible, the life of Jesus and Christian belief generally or (something which is becoming more popular) focussing on the lives of ordinary contemporary Christians (eg. An Island Parish on BBC2). There have also been a number of Reality TV shows focussed on Christianity, such as The Monastery and The Convent where ordinary people spent time with a religious order and the cameras followed how they coped. - Debates and Discussions eg. The Big Question where Christians discuss contemporary moral, political and philosophical issues, often with people of other religions or none. - Christian churches have used newspapers, magazines, leaflets and posters for years to spread their message. - Internet: most churches, denominations and other groups in Christianity now have a strong presence on the Internet. There are also some internet-based churches, such as www.stpixels.com where people meet on-line to pray, discuss and socialise Portrayal of Religious Figures in the Media Different Christians have different views on the portrayal of God, Jesus and other religious figures in the Media. Some Christians object to the depiction of God or Jesus by actors, or in cartoon form, as they see it is disrespectful and, for some, going against the second commandment by creating false idols. Other Christians see the depiction of God or Jesus as a really positive thing, as long as it is done respectfully and for the right reasons. Programmes such as Jesus of Nazareth and films based on Biblical stories are generally seen by Christians as being positive as they help to spread the message of Christianity. Some films and TV programmes have included God and/or Jesus as comedy figures (eg. South Park, Family Guy) or have told controversial and non-biblical stories (eg Jerry Springer: The Opera). Many Christians have issues with these depictions as they can be seen to be disrespectful to the religion. Others dont mind, believing that people are entitled to tell any story they want to, but may choose not to watch these portrayals. Religious characters are often included in Soap Operas, sitcoms etc. This is sometimes seen as a positive thing, particularly if they are included as good moral role models, or show Christians as ordinary. However, some would have issues with Christian characters that deliberately portray a negative image, or are seen as figures of fun. Comedy programmes such as Father Ted and Vicar of Dibley divide opinion among Christians some find

them funny because they can relate to the characters and situations, others find them offensive as they portray members of the clergy in an absurd and unflattering way. Contemporary religious figures such as The Pope and the Archbishop of York are often shown on TV and in Newspapers. Some Christians are concerned that the modern Media shows a bias against Christianity, preferring to focus more on negative and controversial issues and news items which show Christianity in a bad light and give people an exaggerated view. However, not all coverage is negative, as the Popes visit in 2010 showed. Media with Religious and Philosophical Messages Religious Messages Films/books/plays that include religious characters, events or activities eg: - Jesus Christ Superstar - Bruce Almighty - Monty Pythons Life of Brian - The Da Vinci Code Christian views on these generally depend on what message the writer/director is trying to get across and whether it could have a positive or negative effect on Christianity. When Life of Brian was first released many Christians were against it as it was seen as poking fun out of both Jesus and Christianity. The Da Vinci Code received a similar reaction as many Christians saw it as painting a negative (and false) picture of Christianity. Where a message is overwhelmingly positive, however, many Christians are fine with it, even if the story is made up and purely for entertainment (eg Bruce Almighty) Philosophical Messages Films/books/plays that focus on beliefs, morals, the meaning of life etc. eg: - The Matrix - The Chronicles of Narnia - Star Wars - Harry Potter These films may not have a specific Christian focus, but are seen by many Christians as positive as they tackle issues of good and evil, free will, the meaning of life etc. in a way that Christians can relate to and learn from. (The Narnia stories in particular were written with this in mind, and can be seen as allegories). Some Christians have issues with such films, either because the messages they contain arent clearly biblical enough, or because a lot of them involve fantasy elements which some people find un-Christian. (eg. some Christians boycott Harry Potter because they are concerned by links with witchcraft, even though JK Rowling is a Christian) The Portrayal of Sex and Violence Many Christians are concerned by the portrayal of sex and violence in the media because they believe it can lead to people accepting casual sex and violence as the norm. Some Christians are particularly concerned about the portrayal of sex in the media. TV programmes, films, magazines and celebrities in general tend to give the impression that casual and extra-marital sex (heterosexual and homosexual) are common and particularly in

the case of casual sex expected behaviour. This could place pressure on Christians to feel that they should be having sex in this way, or make them feel inferior if they don't. Christians recognise that violence happens, and most would accept that this needs to be shown in factual programmes, historical dramas (eg Schindlers List) or serious dramas that aim to educate and inform. However, many Christians are concerned by the amount of violence in films and TV that is there for shock value or shown in a way that glamorises the drama and makes it acceptable, or even attractive. Some believe that there is a link between what people see on the screen and the way they then behave towards others copycats. Most Christians believe that pornography is wrong. It involves sex outside a loving relationship and exploits people as sex objects. It can also encourage an unhealthy and selfish obsession with sex. Some Christians are concerned that, particularly since the development of the internet and multi-channel TV, porn is becoming more widespread and is seen as more acceptable. Censorship and Freedom of Speech Censorship is the act of controlling what is said or written in the media. This can be done for a number of reasons: - age restrictions on film or TV (the watershed) to protect young children from violence, sex or adult themes - removing information to protect someones privacy (eg super injunctions on celebrities) - removal or restriction of offensive, inappropriate or sensitive material Recent Censorship in the news: - Julian Assange and Wikileaks. The governments of several countries have been concerned about this website which reveals information that is seen as sensitive. This has led to debates on how much governments should be allowed to keep from the public. - Comedians telling jokes that are personal and offensive about individuals without reasonable justification eg. Ross and Brand and Sachsgate, Frankie Boyle telling jokes about Katie Prices disabled son. Many Christians are in favour of a certain amount of censorship, particularly in areas of sex, violence and swearing. Some feel that censorship doesnt go far enough and needs to be stricter, to fit more closely with Christian views. Others believe that censorship shouldnt be so strict, so that people can exercise their own free will in choosing what to watch or read, as Christians are expected to make their own moral choices. Some are concerned that censorship could easily include censoring their own religious views. Freedom of Speech is the belief that people have the right to voice their own opinions freely and without restriction. This is generally seen as a positive and important right in western countries such as the UK, as restrictions of freedom hark back to methods of control used by totalitarian governments such as Nazi Germany.

In the UK people are free to express their views, including their religious views, unless these views are likely to incite hatred and discrimination (eg. racist views). There are some countries in the world, eg North Korea, where Christians are not allowed to express their faith and can be imprisoned, tortured or even killed if they do. ETHICS PAPER TWO PAST PAPERS

(There is only one Past Paper and one Specimen Paper for this unit, as it has only been set once before) (June 2010)

Peace and Justice (a) What is Capital Punishment? [1] (b) Give two aims of punishment. [2] (c) Describe the attitude of Christians might be towards capital punishment. [3] (d) Explain what Christians might believe about the treatment of criminals. [6] (e) Putting people into prison is a waste of money. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] Total: [24] Equality (a) What does the word racism mean? [1] (b) Give two examples of prejudice. [2] (c) Suggest how Christians might work to stop racism. [3] (d) Explain Christian teachings about equality. [6] (e) Religious people should treat everyone equally. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] [Total: 24] Media (a) What is censorship? [1] (b) Give two ways in which Christianity might be portrayed in the media. [2] (c) Suggest why Christians might want the media to be censored. [3] (d) Explain Christian attitudes towards the portrayal of religious figures in the media. [6] (e) The media does not treat Christianity with respect Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] [Total: 24]

(Specimen Paper) Peace and Justice 2 Christianity (a) What is pacifism? [1] (b) Give two examples of what Christians might consider to be social injustice. [2] (c) Why might Christians work for peace? [3] (d) What are Christian attitudes towards war? [6] (e) All people must be pacifists. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] Total: [24] Equality (a) What is meant by equality? [1] (b) What do Christians believe about reconciliation? [2] (c) Describe Christian beliefs about equality. [3] (d) Explain Christian teaching about the role of women in society. [6] (e) Men and women are not equal. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] Total: [24] Media (a) What is meant by the media? [1] (b) What does freedom of speech mean? [2] (c) How is Christianity portrayed in the media? [3] (d) Explain Christian attitudes towards the portrayal of violence in the media. [6] (e) People should never be allowed to make fun of religion in the media. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] Total: [24]

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